CAM software recommendation?

[Admin]

I've had to upgrade to the latest AutoDesk Inventor 2010 software to get stress analysis features at work.

Unfortunately EdgeCAM compatibility is lost with each new Inventor version . . . and I really don't want to spend $8k (or whatever price it was, I forgot) to buy an upgrade to it every few years.

I only need it for the Haas 3-axis mill (xyz), and don't want to have to write compatibility code for it if possible . . . My parts tend to have odd/complex shapes that are hard to do by manually writing g-code. But nothing much more complicated than say parts on my ERP.

Anyone recommend any CAM software? Easy of use, simplicity, fast learning curve, and compatibility are my primary concerns. Price doesn't really matter, but cheaper than EdgeCAM would be best!

[BANE]

I've never had hands on with this software but I know a good number of professional custom machine shops that use this.
They use this software with SolidWorks and from what i've been told is that you never have to even close out of the CAD program, you can design and manufacture in one window.  When I convert my mill to CNC this would be my first choice if i can get an educational or cheaper version.
SolidCAM http://www.solidcam.com/?gclid=COLAsZ7hgJsCFQJvswodJF2UeQ

Again this one works along the side of Solidworks.  Personally i don't know anyone that has used this but I've seen this at tooling shows and it looks equivalent to SolidCAM
CAMWorks http://www.camworks.com/

Bane

[Admin]

Yea but . . . that requires having SolidWorks . . . and all my designs are with AutoDesk

Today I tried converting to .stl and .iges files to use with EdgeCAM v11 (not compatible with 2010), but that just causes EdgeCAM to crash . . .

The older v8.5 would automatically update whenever I made design changed in Autodesk, it was pretty nice.

[BANE]

Autodesk was the first drafting program that i learned and trained on so i can understand you wanting to continue using it.  Are you sure you don't want to switch to SolidWorks?  You can convert all your AutoDesk files to solidworks using the converter; but not sure about the "drawing" format. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed, only I'd recommend getting a x64 computer with quad core and 8 gigs of ram; it will suck a standard computer dry.

Bane

[Admin]

Are you sure you don't want to switch to SolidWorks?

ehhhh, rather not spend $?k on it . . .

You can convert all your AutoDesk files to solidworks using the converter; but not sure about the "drawing" format.

Have a link with more info on this? All I can find is this:
http://www.javelin-tech.com/main/solutions/going_3d_autocad.htm#legacy
But thats not for 2010, thats v10 (years apart).

I have some fairly complicated parts, not sure if it can figure them out (so that I can easily edit them).

[Admin]

Autodesk was the first drafting program that i learned and trained on so i can understand you wanting to continue using it.  Are you sure you don't want to switch to SolidWorks?  You can convert all your AutoDesk files to solidworks using the converter; but not sure about the "drawing" format.

Found this today:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=8412310&siteID=123112

DirectConnect Data Transfer

Autodesk® DirectConnect software enables you to you exchange industrial design data efficiently with engineers using CAD products. The result is a fluid digital design workflow that eliminates rework, saves time, and preserves your design intent.

You don’t need a DirectConnect translator to exchange industrial design data with mechanical design and engineering products from Autodesk, such as Autodesk® Inventor® software. You can use the DWG™ file format.

You can buy Autodesk DirectConnect products for the following third-party data formats, unless otherwise indicated:

In other news, I managed to somehow get EdgeCAM 8.5 to work with Inventor 2010. Not sure how I did it, and the simulator portion usually crashes, but at least most of it works.